Stone Carving: Part Three

Romancing the Stone

Limestone blocks recycled from the Michigan Union have inspired a unique Art and Design class for the Winter 2011 semester. Under the guidance of Professor Michael Rodemer, the six students in this course are learning the stone carving process, from making clay models and forging their own tools to the techniques of carving and finishing limestone sculpture. The class, a unique opportunity for both philanthropy and learning, is intended to teach students more than just the techniques of stone carving: proceeds from the sale of the sculptures created will be used to give financial support to A&D students.

This post is by Eric Harman, a student in the Stone Carving class.

With our sculpture designs set in stone so to speak, we continued our efforts to shape our rugged blocks. The progress is slow, small chips flying off with each hammer blow, it feels like one bicep is going to be twice the size of the other by the end of the semester.

Some of us are romancing our stones with light shaping at the points of our chisels while other have taken to more aggressive negotiations with an impact drill.

Mother Nature tempted us with a taste of spring on Friday, nothing like stone carving in the afternoon sun!